Little Falls transcript., 1887-05-27
GUS mission, Capt. Ration retraced his
steps to where the horses were conceal
ed to await tho denurlpmant

ed to await the denouement.
Now, Dick" said the old scout, as
they crept noselessly forward. IF we
are discovered, and think that it is
very likely we will be, will contrive
to mislead the redskins. while you con-
duct the girl as quickly as possible to
her father. and set out immedatel, for
the nearest settlement; and when |
have succeeded in eluding my persuers
l will seek the spot where nv horse is
concealed and follow on your trs.il'
''But uncle. would it not be we'll for
me to return that I may render you
some assistance" replied Dick.
mo. l would rather you would re-
main with the Captain and his daush-
ter till they have safely reached the
settlement"
Dick thereupon readily assented to
the plans proposed, and by this time
they had arrived at the edge of the
sleeping camp. >
With word of caution to Dick the
scout, revolver in hand, creeps once
more among the sleeping braves. The
fires have entirely died out, leaving
the camp yelled in the most intense
gloom. Carefully he picks his way,
the dense darkness making it difficult
to proceed without stumbling over some
zone of the sleeping savages. He stops
to listen, but hears nothing, save the
low breathing of the duskv sleepers,
wi no rest on undisturbed. One moment
more and the wigwam is reached in
which lies Neleta, anNiously awaiting
his coming.
Stealthily he crceps within, and cut
ting the thongs that bind her, takes her
by the hand and leads her forth into
the dreary night. Slowly and care
fully they move, now here, now there,
now stepping over the PROSTATE sleep
| ers. or passing noiselessly around them.
But q few yards intervene between
them and safety; and they are about to
congratulate themselves upon their
remarkable escape, when, in the i'm
penetrable darkness which surrounds
them, Neleta trips against sleeping
redskin, who, rudely awakened from
his pleasant dreams, with a startled
yell bounds to his feet
The old scout realizes his danger,
and striking the savage blow which
levels him to the earth, he raises Neleta
in his arms and springs into the forest.
With a few words of advice to Dick,
he leaves Neleta in his charge and
bounds quickly away. pursuing IN op-
posite course and keeping near the
edge of the camp, while making con-
siderable noise to attract attention.
The redskins, surprised, yet surmising
the cause of the disturbance, fire a
yolev in his direction. and start in
pursuit.
Meanwhile, Dick, with Neleta
in charge, picks his way care
fully toward the spot where her
father anxiously awaits their COM
they mount their mustangs and
| set out on their return to the settlement,
! though Dick would have wished to re-
main behind to, if need be. assist the
scout; but, as he had cautioned him
against so doing, finally concludes to
adhere to his commands.
AS daylight was breaking, on looking
back from a slight eminence. they be-
held the old scout some distance back
on the trail and concluded to await his
approach.
AS he rode up, the party noticed that
his countenance was deathly pale, while
blood slowly trickled from hole in his
buckskin blouse, where bullet had
pierced his breast. Neleta, with great
concern, inquired if he was badly
wounded.
Il fear so,'' replied the scout. my
hours, l think, are numbered. Let us
hurry on and will strive to hold out
till we reach the settlement
"But, scout had we not better exam
inc the wound and stanch the flow of
blood?' asked the Captain.
mo; it would only result in delay. 1
have already attempted to do SO as
well as possible. -
With that they once more advanced,
yet slower than usual, owing to the
scouts condition, he having nearly ex-
hausted himself in his endeavor to
overtake them, ere he succumbed,
though the hard riding had caused him
great suffer ng.
| They were yet many miles from the
settlement when, the old scout unable
longer to retain his saddle, expressed a
desire to be lowered to the ground. The
Captain and Dick, thereupon. removed
him from his horse and lay him gently
down, while Neleta supported bis head
in her lap, and sooths with loving
hands the tangled locks from his brow.
With a sad smile he extends his hand
to those about him, and bids them fare
we'll; and as Neleta with fearful eyes
bows her head and imprints a kiss on
his forehead. he fervently exclaims:
"Ah, child, you were ever kind to me,
and the old scout never forgets. Good
bye, and with my dying breath l will
bless you
He tries to say more. |but his voice
falters: and there. with the rising sun
shedding its rays of golden light ore
ALL the faithful old scout breaths his
last.
Carefully they raised his mamma te
form, and supporting it between them,
proceeded toward the settlement. On
their arrival the sad news soon spread,
and all came to gaze for the last time
on his well-beloved face; for there were
none but who had on some occasion
had cause to remember some one of the
many kind acts performed by the old
scout.
! On the following day he was laid to
rest Dick remained for some time at
the settlement The Old scout had
been as a father to him. and he could
not bear to so soon leave the haunts
where they had passed SO many pleas
ant DAYS. Besides he had another OBJ
ject in remaining. the form of the beau
tiful Neleta Ration. and ere he had de-
parted for his eastern home, she had
gladdened his heart by the promise of al
no distant day becoming his bride
Captain Ration rebuilt his home, and
Dick. returning to claim the hand OF